BPS3052 Applied Pharmacokinetics/dynamics and nanotechnology

This unit combines two areas that are increasingly important in the development of medicines: 1) Pharmacokinetics (PK) and pharmacodynamics (PD). Students will be introduced to key techniques and concepts in the analysis and interpretation of PK/PD data for the development of pharmaceuticals. 2) Nanotechnology drug delivery systems. Students will also conduct laboratory-based experiments to characterize nanotech drug delivery formulations and to test their laboratory-based skills.

1. Pharmacokinetics (PK) and pharmacodynamics (PD)

Students will be introduced to key techniques and concepts in the analysis and interpretation of PK/PD data for the development of pharmaceuticals. They will receive datasets of model pharmaceuticals and learn to use PK/PD modelling and analyse these data. Based on an interpretation of the results in terms of the physiological and physicochemical processes determining drug absorption, action and elimination, students will make recommendations on delivery options and dosage regimen for the model drugs

2. Nanotechnology drug delivery systems

This part of the unit will focus on the principles behind the formulation of nanotechnology drug delivery systems, and the way they behave in vitro and in vivo. The following topics will be discussed:

(i) Drug delivery
(ii) Characterization of nanoformulations
(iii) Diagnostic applications of nanotechnology